we were very close

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "We were very close" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence to refer to the current closeness of a relationship or the fact that two people or groups of people were close in the past. For example: "We were very close growing up, but things changed after college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were very close.

The New York Times - Sports

But we were very close".

The Guardian - Sport

"We were very close friends," he repeated.

The New Yorker

We felt we were very close.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were very close," he said.

The New York Times

"We were very close to my child," says Yohane.

The Guardian - Music

We were very close from that first moment".

The Guardian

"We were very close friends," Ms. Zukharsky said.

The New York Times

Alvin was like my brother; we were very close.

The New York Times - Arts

We were very close when mum was here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We were very close to seeing hunting," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past relationships, use "we were very close" to convey a sense of intimacy and mutual understanding. Consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the intended emotional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "we were very close" when intending to describe a current relationship without clarifying that the closeness existed primarily in the past. Be specific if the relationship has changed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were very close" functions as a descriptive statement indicating a significant degree of intimacy, emotional connection, or proximity between individuals or entities in the past. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes a past relationship characterized by closeness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were very close" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a past relationship marked by intimacy, strong connection, or near achievement. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a straightforward way to communicate the depth of a past bond. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a range of contexts, from personal narratives to news reporting. While the phrase is generally clear, it's important to clarify that the relationship is in the past to avoid misunderstanding. Alternatives like "we had a strong bond" or "we shared a deep connection" can provide similar nuances depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had a strong bond

Focuses on the emotional and psychological connection between individuals.

we shared a deep connection

Highlights the profound nature of the relationship.

our relationship was strong

Focuses on the robustness and health of the relationship.

we were intimate

Emphasizes a high degree of personal connection and understanding.

we were inseparable

Highlights the constant presence and deep connection between individuals.

we enjoyed a close friendship

Emphasizes the quality of the relationship as a friendly one.

we were within reach

Refers to the short distance needed to achieve the objective.

we were nearly there

Shifts the meaning towards achieving a goal or reaching a destination.

we almost made it

Focuses on near attainment of a goal, often implying disappointment.

we were on the verge of success

Emphasizes the proximity to achieving a desired outcome.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "we were very close"?

Saying "we were very close" indicates a past relationship characterized by intimacy, strong emotional connection, and mutual understanding. It suggests a significant bond that existed at some point.

What are some alternatives to saying "we were very close"?

You can use alternatives like "we had a strong bond", "we shared a deep connection", or "we were inseparable" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to use "we were very close" to describe a relationship that no longer exists?

Yes, "we were very close" is perfectly acceptable for describing a past relationship. It implies that the closeness was a characteristic of the relationship at a specific time.

How does "we were very close" differ from "we are very close"?

"We were very close" refers to a past relationship, whereas "we are very close" describes a current relationship. The tense indicates whether the closeness is ongoing or a memory.